@ Richard - they also used to say "No loss of suction" Which is fine until the small holes around the inner cyclone bit get blocked with dust & fluff. Then I find my good old Aquavac comes to the rescue.

My sister managed to completely block her Dyson up. It took me an hour to dismantle and clean it out with a combination of hot water, and airline...

Getting your Dyson serviced is well worth it. We've had ours done twice now (about 2 yrs apart each time) and it's like having a new one. They will replace any parts that are out of spec or damaged, and last time we even had a new motor, all within the service price. I give ours a good clean every now and then, but after a proper service it feels like it is going to rip the carpet up and swallow it.

I like Dysons because (like Land Rovers) they are infinitely repairable, and designed to be so. But a professional eye on it every so often is worth the money.

Richard, on your recommendation I've emailed Dyson about a service. The link on their website doesn't work.

I'm doing this because I know my machine doesn't operate as well as it should even though I do my best to keep it clean. Also I hope to have a new lobby carpet in the spring after I've had a canine visitor stay for a week. :)